why does preamp improve sound quality?


I recently listened to a Mark Levinson no.390s CD processor directly connected to a pair of Quad II-forty five tube amps. When a matching Quad preamp (much cheaper than the Levinson) was placed between the Levinson and the amplifier, the sound improved dramatically even at moderate volume- it became much more clear and transparent. Why would this be the case? Wouldn't adding an extra piece of equipment add more distortion?
no_slouch

Showing 1 response by unclejeff

Did you know that the signal comes out of your components at 'full volumn' and that your volumn control knob does not increase but rather it reduces the strength (volumn) of the signal?

A really good pre will do this better than some. My own Cd player has a very sophistaced volumn control so it serves as a pre even for signals from other sources, such as my DVD and satellite. Tone and bass controls are not not needed.